Kermit Ruffins Throwback CD

Kermit Ruffins had a reunion with the Rebirth Brass Band for this 2005 release. Ruffins dominates the music to an extent, contributing the majority of the selections, usually taking a vocal and adding a few spectacular trumpet solos. His good-humored description on "What Is New Orleans, Pt. 2" now sounds nostalgic and a bit wistful since this was recorded right before Hurricane Katrina, and it unintentionally describes what is lost and will hopefully return someday. The Rebirth Brass Band are in fine form, particularly the mighty tuba playing of Philip Frazier. Most of the performances are celebratory and perfect party music (other than the annoying closing rap "Up in tha Hood"), soulful yet tied to the brass band tradition while still looking ahead. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Recording information: Piety Street Recording, New Orleans, LA; Ultrasonic Studios, New Orleans, LA.

Photographer: Donn Young.

Personnel: Kermit Ruffins (vocals, trumpet); Kermit Ruffins; Corey Henry (vocals, trombone, percussion); Ajay Mallory, Ajay Mallery, Rebirth Brass Band (vocals, percussion); Neshia Ruffins, III, Aaron Jones, Christina Ruffins, Neshia Ruffins, Jimmy Slack, A'Jon Jones, Alfred Weston (vocals); Philip Frazier (tuba); David Torkanowsky (Wurlitzer piano, Wurlitzer organ); Reed Weston (cowbells); Keng (turntables); Mary Griffin (vocals); Vincent Broussard (tenor saxophone); Derrick Shezbie, Glen Andrews (trumpet); Stafford Agee, Troy Andrews (trombone); Keith "Bass Drum Shorty" Frazier (bass drum); Derrick Tabb (snare drum); Percy Williams (percussion).

Liner Note Author: Kermit Ruffins.

JazzTimes (pp.127-128) - "Many of the songs are built on blues riffs or vamps, and when these guys start blowing, it's hard to sit passively..."